Do Women with Dense Breasts Benefit from Imaging Beyond Mammography?

In women who have dense breast tissue, risk for breast cancer is modestly elevated and sensitivity of mammography screening is reduced. Recently, many states have passed legislation requiring clinicians to inform women on mammogram reports that they have dense breasts. Some states also require clinicians to discuss supplemental imaging with such women.

In an evidence-based review, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) noted that the assessment of breast density is subjective and therefore affected by the perspective of individual radiologists. In addition, ACOG's statement indicates that use of supplemental imaging such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, tomosynthesis, or thermography has not been associated …